Houston went in to this second round tie at the third time of asking due to the weather, feeling they may have a good chance to progress. The game was being played on 3g astro grass in Glasgow hardly a good venue for a home tie but Houston were desperate to see the tie out.

The game started with Houston playing a much taller and more experienced Rutherglen side, the idea being that Houston didn't let the pace drop and keep the ball on the ground, Houston had a few players back from injuries, some of which featured in this tie. Houstons plan started well when they opened the scoring in 5 minutes, the ball broke to Colin McKinnon 10 yards out for him to expertly volley home past the Rutherglen keeper 1-0 Houston. The game was then quite scrappy with Houston trying to pass there way round the park, but the wind was causing a few problems, Houston had a few shots at goal without causing to much problems, Rutherglen were also happy to hit Houston on the break and looked dangerous at times, then on the 24th minute a stunning strike, the ball was laid of to Colin Mckinnon 25 yards out he hit across the ball first time and it sailed across the Rutherglen keeper and into the top corner giving him no chance 2-0 Houston and perhaps a chance for them to settle and play the ball about. Although Houston did look dangerous a lack of concentration and perhaps a close call by the referee gave Rutherglen a life line, they broke the offside trap on 38th minute and slipped the ball under Rab McDonald 2-1 and a goal Houston were upset at losing. With determination Houston knew they needed another goal before half time and they did through a blunder by the Rutherglen keeper, the ball was put forward the keeper came out to claim what looked like an easy catch but he fumbled it into the path of John Campbell to tap home 3-1 at half time.
Houston knew they hadn't played at their best and would have to up their game in the second half, Rutherglen had the majority of the possession without looking to much of a danger, Houston had chances through Scott McLintoch to finish the tie but the Rutherglan keeper did well, Houston also made a few subs bringing on Steven Sloan and David McMurdo.